CLEMSON – Will Shipley was told coming into the NFL Draft that he was likely a third- to fifth-round pick, but that didn't help the Clemson running back sleep peacefully when the third round ended on April 26 and he had to wait another day to hear his name called.
"Not even angry, just frustrated," Shipley said. "When you're a competitor, you want to see yourself go as early as possible in anything you do. Be first."
The former five-star prospect had to wait until April 27 to be selected 127th overall by the Eagles. He will be joined in Philadelphia by Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who was taken by his father's former team in the fifth round at No. 155 overall.
Shipley and Trotter will remain teammates. Meanwhile, Shipley received a text message from one of his newest compatriots shortly after being selected. It was from Saquon Barkley, the two-time Pro Bowler who signed with this Eagles this offseason, saying, "Congratulations. Get ready to work."
"I am ready to get after it," Shipley told the Philly media corps. "I understand (Barkley is) one of the best to do it in this league. So to have that opportunity to learn from somebody like that is something I don't take lightly. Gonna try to get as much out of it as I can, that's for sure."
Only Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro went in the top 35 picks of the draft, landing with the Ravens and Falcons, respectively, but each Tiger seemed to find a worthwhile NFL home in the draft.
Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas, who played six years of college football before he could realize his pro dreams, had his wait end when the Arizona Cardinals took him with the No. 138 overall pick. Defensive tackle Tyler Davis came off the board in the sixth round, joining the Rams with the No. 196 pick.
Meanwhile, Shipley has a chance to compete with Kenneth Gainwell to be Philadelphia's No. 2 back, operating in an offense that features Jalen Hurts at quarterback and top-flight receivers DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown. Just two seasons ago, that offense powered the Eagles to a Super Bowl.
Trotter will have an opportunity to play for the team he grew up watching, following in the footsteps of his father, Jeremiah Sr., who was lovingly known by Philly fans as the "Axe Man" for his signature post-tackle chop.
He hopes to wear No. 54 in Philly, just like his dad.
"It means a lot. I know the type of legacy he left with this organization and the fans, just how they treated him, and coaches he's played for," Trotter said. "It definitely means a lot to come in and continue that legacy and try to help out the team anyway I possibly can.
"I'm a hometown kid. Eagles were always my favorite team growing up. It's definitely great to be able to play for them and have the opportunity I have."
A multi-time All-American at Clemson, the younger Trotter was evidently dinged by pro scouts for his smaller-than-ideal stature at 6-foot, 228 pounds and his lack of overwhelming athleticism. But no one questions his smarts, racking up 177 tackles, including 28.5 tackles for loss, in his final two seasons at Clemson.
Shipley just plays a position notoriously undervalued by NFL teams. The first running back off the board, Texas' Jonathon Brooks, wasn't taken until the 14th pick of the second round.
Five more running backs were taken before Shipley heard his name called.
"If you want to think of somebody that’s committed to his craft and just being a great person, a picture of Will Shipley would come up," Trotter said. "I could go on and on about Will Shipley. But the Eagles definitely got a really great player with him, and I’m glad to be reunited in Philadelphia."
Shipley, a highly touted recruit, had an immediate impact at Clemson, earning the moniker "Ship Happens" from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney as he practically carried the Tigers to a win over Florida State as a freshman.
He broke out as a sophomore, amassing 1,748 total yards to become a first-team All-ACC honoree at running back, kick returner, and all-purpose player.
It was debatable whether Shipley would go pro after his junior season, though, because he finished with 827 yards and five touchdowns rushing and 244 yards receiving. He suffered a knee injury in the Gator Bowl and didn't finish the game.
But, as a three-year graduate, Shipley was ready to chase his dream. He's fully healthy, running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at Clemson's pro day.
The competitor in Shipley wishes his wait during the draft wasn't as long, but he can't complain about the outcome. Shipley's older brother, James, has played lacrosse at Penn, so the family has spent ample time in Philly.
Now, Shipley gets to play there, along with Trotter.
"I could not ask for anything else but to be a Philadelphia Eagle and go contend for a Super Bowl with one of the best cultures that I've seen in the NFL," Shipley said. "Yeah, it's going to be exciting."
